Nominations are now being accepted for individuals to serve in one of eight director positions on the Wisconsin Milk Marketing Board. According to the state's agriculture department, nominations are being accepted until March 31 for new-comers and
incumbents in districts 2, 5, 8, 11, 14, 17, 20 and 23. Nominees must be engaged in the production and sales of milk in their district.

Each year, one-third of the 25-member board is up for election. As directors, the winning nominees will supervise WMMB's business affairs, formulate and set WMMB policies, and serve on one of three WMMB committees: cheese business, local markets
business, and producer and board relations.

A director spends about 200 hours each year on WMMB business, and attends an average of two committee meetings and five board meetings annually. Directors also may represent the organization at national, state and local industry meetings and events.
Although directors are not salaried, meeting time is compensated with per diem payments.

DATCP officials say a nominee must get at least five signatures from active dairy producers in their district to qualify as a candidate, and he or she must complete an Affidavit of Eligibility and return it with the nomination form. Every licensed milk producer
residing in the districts where an election is to take place will be mailed a postcard that outlines the election timeline and explains the nomination process.

After nominations have been processed, the department will hold a mail-in ballot election later in the spring. The results will be announced in June.

For more information or to obtain a nomination form, call 608-224-5116.